welcome to the world stella

9:46 this morning I realized that it is possible to fall in love instantly.

My amazing wife gave birth to our second baby girl, Stella, with Gretchen by her side. I am bursting with pride. I am so lucky to be married to such a strong woman. This was not your typical birth. Catherine has been contemplating a water birth since she was pregnant with Gretchen, but at that time, ultimately decided to go forward with a hospital birth. With support of a wonderful doctor, Laurie Solomon, Catherine delivered gretchen with no pain relievers or complications. I thought that was incredible!

The decision to have Stella at home came at the last moment (literally 3 weeks ago). Catherine contacted Martha Roth, a highly respected midwife in our area, and she was a perfect fit. I picked up the birthing pool and set it up in the living room waiting for Stella’s arrival. Her due date came and went (fortunately for me, because I had two weddings last weekend). Everyone kept saying that Tuesday sounded like a good day, I agreed!

This morning I got up like every other day and went to walk the dog. Cath said she felt different. “Ok, I will be right back.” Half way through the walk I got a call, “Come home I’m definitely in labor.” I got home at 8:45, called Martha (the midwife) and immediately started filling the birthing pool. Catherine’s contractions were getting stronger and stronger every minute. As soon as Cath got into the birth pool, her urge to push was strong. I freaked a little so I called Martha again, “Tell her I’m on my way and enjoy the ride!” Not even 15 minutes after Martha and Cath’s mom arrived, Stella’s head was crowning. (I have photos, but will spare you all) after the next contraction, Stella was out. Cath caught her under the water and her 1 hour and 45 minute labor and delivery was over. Amazing!! What an amazing strong person Cath is. I hope this doesn’t sound like I’m preaching home/water birth, I’m just so proud of her and I want everyone to know.

Of course there are photos to go along with this story. Don’t worry Im keeping them all PG!

The two of you are incredible! In addition to an unconventional birth, your strength as a couple is truly impressive and inspiring. The images alone are worthy of an award for both photographer and subjects. What a great story!
Congratulations and God bless.

Congratulations to you all!!!! I was waiting to hear the news about the new baby. The story was beautiful and such a pleasure to read. The pictures are wonderful and Stella is just beautiful! Such a pretty name! I look forward to seeing more pictures. Congratulations again!

Catherine, Ricky, Gretchen & Stella,
WOW…what a beautiful story…the pics are amazing…it felt like I was there! Gretchen is so special…she will always remember the birth of her precious sister! I am thrilled that you followed your heart and had a peaceful homebirth. You are blessed! Much love, big hugs to all and please don’t hesistate to call…for anything.
Love, Pauline

Congratulations!! We’ve been waiting to hear the news! And what an inspiring story to share with us… your pictures are absolutely beautiful, as if we expected anything less. 😉 Congrats again and best wishes to your new family (and TWO beautiful daughters)!!

Dear Ricky & Catherine –
Congratulations! The pictures are incredible. There are no words to describe the emotions of childbirth. It is a high no medication can duplicate. Enjoy the time with the little ones. They grow way too quickly and before you know it, you are the photographer at their wedding.

Welcome to the world Stella! I can not imagine my husband taking pictures of me while delivering but of course you have the gift to make every occassion look beautiful and peaceful. What an amazing experience. Congratulations to Mommy, Daddy and Big Sister.

Congratulations Ricky!! Those pictures are amazing and all of your women look beautiful 🙂 We hope you’re having a great time with Stella and enjoying every minute of her and the rest of your family!
P.S. You’re making me want to have one 🙂
Love, Alex & Colin

Congratulations!! I am so happy for you both, and the story of welcoming Stella into this world is amazing! Of course it would be, it wouldn’t be you guys if it wasn’t. I am not surprised that you had such an amazing story to tell, and Ricky you have three of the most beautiful girls in your life. I can only imagine how proud you must be, not to mention the amazing photos you captured.

I always knew what an amazing photographer you are and always have been and I have always been very proud of you and your work, but your pictures lately have been truly works of art and you should be very impressed with yourself. Your website is only a small glimpse into what you do and always have done, and it just proves what an eye you have.

The pictures you captured of your heart and soul, your girls, are truly breathtaking.

Thank you for sharing them, and not only can I not wait to see all of you but i can’t wait to meet Stella. (perfect name by the way, so you both) Give Cath my best and give the girls kisses for me. Love to you all.

Hi Ricky,
What an amazing story-teller you are! Of course, the pictures are just as amazing. Thank you for sharing them with all of us. Congratulations to you, Cathy and Gretchen on the newset addition to your family. Looking forward to seeing more pictures of your family.